When it comes to the battle of the bulge, we all closely examine what we put in our mouths. That's good, but there may be more to the obesity crisis than just diet and exercise.

Many blame High fructose corn sweeteners which arrived in the late 70's. Others blame this and that. But few people stop to think about something else.

Other changes since the 1970's are the switch from glass food containers to plastic. The use of plastics has skyrocketed. Plastics can contain chemicals which are endocrine disruptors. They mimic estrogen and can interfere with hormone balance, thus effecting metabolism and weight.

But its not just plastics that contain these chemicals.

Body lotions and Fragrance can contain chemicals which disrupt hormones. Lotions soak into the skin, and certain chemicals pass the skin barrier and end up in our blood streams. Fragrance is inhaled, and ends up in the blood stream.

Its not just what we eat. Its also the container it was in, plus what we apply to our skin or inhale, that ultimately ends up in our blood stream. This ultimately effects our chemical makeup.

Many blame High fructose corn sweeteners which arrived in the late 70's. Others blame this and that. But few people stop to think about something else.

Other changes since the 1970's are the switch from glass food containers to plastic. The use of plastics has skyrocketed. Plastics can contain chemicals which are endocrine disruptors. They mimic estrogen and can interfere with hormone balance, thus effecting metabolism and weight.

But its not just plastics that contain these chemicals.

Body lotions and Fragrance can contain chemicals which disrupt hormones. Lotions soak into the skin, and certain chemicals pass the skin barrier and end up in our blood streams. Fragrance is inhaled, and ends up in the blood stream.

Its not just what we eat. Its also the container it was in, plus what we apply to our skin or inhale, that ultimately ends up in our blood stream. This ultimately effects our chemical makeup.

At what point of saturation do these things start to affect body chemistry? I'm not trying to be a jerk, and I'm not saying they don't, I'm just legitimately curious. Is it something people should be wary of day-to-day, or something that only people who live off eating precooked dinners should look into?

Also, what would you reccomend to people in general to avoid that? Again, not trying to be combative, just trying to be as healthy as possible.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Obesity crisis: Could THIS cause weight gain?At what point of saturation do these things start to affect body chemistry? I'm not trying to be a jerk, and I'm not saying they don't, I'm just legitimately curious. Is it something people should be wary of day-to-day, or something that only people who live off eating precooked dinners should look into?

Also, what would you reccomend to people in general to avoid that? Again, not trying to be combative, just trying to be as healthy as possible.

3point, I think you bring up some valid questions."At what point of saturation do these things start to affect body chemistry?"

My best guess is that answers varies depending on our individual make up. One person may be effected at ow doses, while another needs a lifetime of high exposure to be effected.

"Also, what would you recommend to people in general to avoid that?"

While we can't completely avoid exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, there is much we can do do limit our exposure. Here is a short list of simple changes that can make a big difference.

Keep in mind the greatest exposure to these chemicals is indoors. Not outside in the fresh air. The following are major offenders and constitute a major portion of indoor air pollutants that may effect metabolism or cause cancer.

My best guess is that answers varies depending on our individual make up. One person may be effected at ow doses, while another needs a lifetime of high exposure to be effected.

"Also, what would you recommend to people in general to avoid that?"

While we can't completely avoid exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, there is much we can do do limit our exposure. Here is a short list of simple changes that can make a big difference.

Keep in mind the greatest exposure to these chemicals is indoors. Not outside in the fresh air. The following are major offenders and constitute a major portion of indoor air pollutants that may effect metabolism or cause cancer.

Related Drug Reviews

Report Problems With Your Medications to the FDA

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The opinions expressed in WebMD Communities are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Communities are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

Do not consider Communities as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.